American Meat Institute Encouraged By News That Korea Will Abide by International Animal Health Guidelines and Work to Restore Full Access for U.S. Beef

The following statement should be attributed to AMI President J. Patrick Boyle: “We are encouraged that South Korean officials have agreed to recognize the United States’ controlled risk BSE status and to work toward restoration of beef trade with the U.S. in accordance with World Organization for Animal Health Guidelines (OIE).

We were pleased by President Roh’s statement that he offered a verbal commitment to President Bush ‘that Korea will sincerely deal with this negotiation.’

However, we will not be satisfied until the Korean market is unconditionally open to U.S. beef, and until then, we agree with the Bush Administration that it should not submit the Free Trade Agreement for Congressional consideration.

Last week, in meetings with Korean media in Seoul, I stressed that the U.S. has earned Korea’s trust through proactive animal health and food safety programs. We will continue to advance that view to support a full market reopening."